City's Pulaski Day Parade Honors Heroes With Showing Of Polish Pride

NEW BRITAIN — On a day remembering the deeds of Polish American Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski, 12-year-old Johanna Rogalewski said the message of Polish pride wasn't lost on her.

``At first, I didn't know who he was and why things are named after him,'' said Johanna, who on Sunday wore a floral garland in her hair and a traditional dress she bought while visiting Poland. ``But after coming to the parades, I know he and Polish people are important in history.''

Her father, John Rogalewski of Newington, said he has brought Johanna and her brother Johnny, 7, to the annual Pulaski Day Parade in New Britain ever since they could walk.

They were among about 100 people who marched along Broad Street Sunday morning for the event, put on by New Britain's K. Pulaski Democratic Club.

The parade wound down Broad Street to Pulaski Park, where red and white floral wreaths were laid on the memorials of Pulaski and Thaddeus Kosciuszko. National Guard members gave a gun salute, and a New Britain High School marching band trumpeter played taps.

Though Polish community members spoke of pride in their history and culture, some expressed concern about the future of organizations like the K. Pulaski Democratic Club.

``The club was formed in the 1920s to help assimilate Polish immigrants into American society,'' said President Rich Pokorski. ``Now, it is harder to get younger members.''

Stanley Muchewicz, 70, of New Britain said in the 35 years that he has participated in the parade, attendance has dropped.

``Unfortunately, there are less and less people,'' said Muchewicz, a Polish Falcon member. ``I assume it is because the older generation is dying off and the younger ones are not interested. I hope they come to their senses and join us.''

Nevertheless, New Britain Mayor Lucian Pawlak sounded a note of hope when he noted there were quite a few young children in attendance.

``I'm really pleased to be Polish and I never deny it,'' Pawlak said during his address before the Pulaski monument. ``I hope you children never deny it.''

Several speakers recounted the life and accomplishments of Pulaski.

``Casimir Pulaski was rich. He didn't have to come [to the United States],'' U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-6th District, said. ``He sacrificed his own comfort, his prosperity and his life for freedom.''

Pokorski told the story of how Pulaski was named brigadier general and head of the U.S. Cavalry by George Washington. He died in battle while leading his own legion.

``His tragic death will not erase his deeds in battle,'' Pokorski said. ``It is this same spirit that we share this morning.''

The parade concluded with a procession back to the Sacred Heart Church for a Mass honoring the church's deceased members.

The uniformed boys of the Polish Scouting Organization explained their marching orders for the important occasion.

``We have to march, not walk,'' said 7-year-old Danny Michalak, who stood alongside his brother Tommy, 8. ``That means we have to pick our feet up.''